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Used Car Expert Rating

Mini hatch John Cooper Works (2015 to 2024)

Expert Rating

Used car score:

57
%
D

This model is no longer on sale or in production, so it doesn't have a New Car Expert Rating score.

Expert Rating report card

Media Rating:

76
%
B

Safety Rating:

39
%
E

Eco Rating:

60
%
B

Reliability Rating:

53
%
D

Running Costs:

56
%
C

How are our Expert Rating scores calculated?

Expert Rating

Used car score:

57
%
D

This model is no longer on sale or in production, so it doesn't have a New Car Expert Rating score.

Expert Rating report card

Media Rating:

76
%
B

Safety Rating:

39
%
E

Eco Rating:

60
%
B

Reliability Rating:

53
%
D

Running Costs:

56
%
C

Summary


The third-generation Mini hatch John Cooper Works was a hot-hatch variant of the regular three-door Mini hatchback, a step above the well-known Mini Cooper S version.

Sometimes simply referred to as the ‘Mini John Cooper Works’, the Mini hatch JCW first appeared in UK dealerships in Summer 2015, and was given a small facelift along with the rest of the Mini hatch range in Spring 2019. Along with the standard Mini hatch, the Mini JCW was reitred in 2024, making way for the new Mini Cooper range which will reportedly included JCW variants in the near future.

Only one engine spec was available, a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine providing 228hp to reach a top speed of 153mph. Customers could choose either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission.

The Mini hatch John Cooper Works recieved plenty of acclaim from the UK media when it first arrived on the scene in 2015, with Auto Trader concluding back then that, “Few rivals have the JCW’s image, character or downright cheekiness, and for many buyers, that’ll be the deal-sealer. If you can afford it, you’ll absolutely love it.”

Despite many newer hot hatch rivals launching in the UK during its nine-year lifespan, and the JCW still stood up well to the competition until its retirement. Car called it “sensational to drive” back in 2015, and said years later that “… it still is, remaining such a hoot to drive you forgive it for being a bit too firm around town.”

Besides questions about the cramped nature of the cabin, the main sticking point reviewers continually referenced was the price of this Mini hot hatch, particularly as it cost around £7,500 more than its principal rival and class leader, the Ford Fiesta ST.

As of January 2025, the third-generation Mini hatch John Cooper Works holds a Used Car Expert Rating of D with a score of 57%. It gets good grades for its media reviews and its low CO2 emissions, but its running costs are only average. Furthermore, its reliability record is poor and its safety score is very low as its Euro NCAP safety rating expired long ago.

The Car Expert Best of British horizontal banner

Mini hatch JCW highlights

  • Unique interior trim
  • Performance that rivals larger hot hatches
  • Responsive handling and body control
  • Value depreciates slowly

Mini hatch JCW lowlights

  • Other small hot hatches are better value
  • Rigid ride comfort
  • Cramped rear seating
  • Apple CarPlay, but still no Android Auto

Key specifications


Body style: Three-door hatchback
Engines: petrol
Price when new: From £27,615 on-road

Launched: Summer 2015
Last updated: Summer 2021
Replaced: 2024


Media reviews


Highlighted reviews and road tests from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.

Auto Trader

+

Car

+

Car Keys

+

Carbuyer

+

Evo

+

Heycar

+

Honest John

+

Top Gear

+

Safety rating


Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP

Overall score: 4 stars
Date tested: December 2014
Date expired: January 2021
Read the full Euro NCAP review

Adult protection: 79%
Child protection: 73%
Vulnerable road users: 66%
Safety assist: 56%

Notes on safety rating

The Mini hatch was originally tested by Euro NCAP back in 2014 and awarded a four-star rating. However, this rating expired in January 2021 and is no longer valid as the car no longer meets the standards required for such a rating. This is normal practice, as Euro NCAP reviews its ratings on most cars annually with most ratings expiring after about six or seven years.

However, if you are comparing a used Mini hatch to vehicles of similar age, whose ratings will have probably also expired, its safety rating score is still useful.

Eco rating


Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP

No eco rating

The Mini hatch John Cooper Works was not assessed by Green NCAP during its production life.

Reliability rating


Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy

All data based on MotorEasy average workshop costs for extended car warranty claims

Across all three generations, the Mini hatch has a reliability score that is below average, according to workshop and warranty data from our commercial partner, MotorEasy.

The biggest concern is that the most common problem is also the most expensive one – engine issues. The average repair cost is about £700, so it’s worth carefully inspecting a used car or making sure you purchase an extended warranty for your Mini to cover you once the factory new car warranty runs out.

Running cost rating

Clear Vehicle Data logo close crop

Monthly cost of ownership data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by Clear Vehicle Data

Fuel consumptionAverageScoreVariationScore
Petrol models47 mpgC43 – 51 mpgB – C
CO₂ outputAverageScoreVariationScore
Petrol models136 g/kmB124 – 150 g/kmA – B
Insurance groupAverageScoreVariationScore
All models23B13 – 50A – F
Service and maintenanceCostScore
Year 1£175A
Year 2£477A
Year 3£759A
Year 4£1,013A
Year 5£1,348A
Overall£3,772A

The Mini John Cooper Works hatch should be relatively affordable to own and run, according to five-year running cost data provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our technical partner, Clear Vehicle Data.

Fuel consumption is only average, but insurance and servicing costs should be better than average. However, given the likely high age and mileage of any used models, maintenance costs could vary considerably from car to car.

Awards


Trophies, prizes and awards that the Mini hatch John Cooper Works has received

2016

  • Sport Auto Magazine Awards – Sportiest Car

Similar cars


If you’re looking at the Mini hatch John Cooper Works, you might also be interested in these alternatives

Abarth 595 | Ford Fiesta ST | Hyundai i20 N | Mini Cooper S | Suzuki Swift Sport | Toyota GR Yaris | Volkswagen Polo GTI | Volkswagen Up GTI


More news, reviews and information about the Mini John Cooper Works range at The Car Expert

Everything you need to know about Mini

Everything you need to know about Mini

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New high-power MINI JCW Countryman revealed

Mini JCW GP (2019 to 2020)

Mini JCW GP (2019 to 2020)

Mini John Cooper Works GP revealed as two-seat ultra-hot hatch

Mini John Cooper Works GP revealed as two-seat ultra-hot hatch

Mini GP John Cooper Works pricing announced

Mini GP John Cooper Works pricing announced

Mini Clubman John Cooper Works test drive

Mini Clubman John Cooper Works test drive

Mini teases upcoming John Cooper Works GP model

Mini teases upcoming John Cooper Works GP model

Mini Countryman and Clubman JCW models updated

Mini Countryman and Clubman JCW models updated

Mini John Cooper Works models updated

Mini John Cooper Works models updated

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The Mini hatch John Cooper Works had the pace to keep up with larger hot hatches, but its price was rather steep for a car of this size. Mini hatch John Cooper Works (2015 to 2024)